The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has confirmed that four major UK banks will start a full review into the mis-selling of products to small businesses, after it found that nine out of 10 sales did not meet regulatory requirements.

There was a significant increase last year in the amount of finance provided to businesses for plant, machinery and IT investment, according to figures released by trade association the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA).

The Government will invest an extra £30 million over the next three years in its start-up loans scheme, Prime Minister David Cameron has announced. The scheme has also been extended to those aged 25 to 30.